ProfessorMichael Breadmore

Project Total: $66,000; Project is a 6 months project through Grey Scan Australia from Grey Scan UK with funding from the British government. It has a strict start in Sept and final reporting in April, hence the urgency to move this quickly. Grey Scan is a company that has commercialied Chemistry research on inorganic explosive detection, creating the worlds first airport-compatible screening technology for inorganic explosives. The comapny have developed the commercial product, but became insolvent in Jan 2025 shortly after the election of Presdient Trump and termination of the evaluation trial testing the technology (as part of the DOGE cuts). The company was recovered by a number of investors and employees who are running the company with no funds to try and secure additional resources and position the company for a take-over. Two proposals were submitted to the UK government, only 1 (the smaller one) was funded. The project will examine transfer of our previously developed capillary electrophoresis method for organic explosives to the speed and form factor of the GreyScan technology base. The target timeframe is 60-120 s analyses. The majority of the funds will be used to employ a short-term contract researcher, with based project costs for the chemicals needed for the project. Funding is tight, so to keep this within the $66k AUD funding envelop from the UK funding, my time contribution is small - unrealistic - but I can't keep below that amount without otherwise reducing researcher time, which will impact deliverables. Given precarious nature of GS as a business, they do not have more funds to invest, and this is one way to try and advance the company further to get a financial return for UTAS, and a global impact outcome. If we can separate these tartgets with detection performance that meets the application requirement (we do not know what this is because its classified information and we do not have suffiicient security clearance) then it will establish the ETD as the ONLY platform technology in the world capable of detecting the full threat of explosives in an airport in a suitable screening timeframe. Should that eventuate, there will be additional funding from the UK to realise the product, which would add significant value to the company, increasing the likelihood of a buy out. The UK is just about to reviewer its future airport screening tecnology requirements, with a view to purchasing an entire new suite within the 7 year timeframe, which would see instruments and consumables secured over the subsequent 15 years of anticipated operational time consistent with previous reviews and updates. With these requirements, GS is anticipated to be a key technology for this application, and if the UK is secured, the company becomes viable, and it opens further market opportunity to Europe and the rest of the world. Funded by: GreyScan Pty Ltd ($65,998); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $14,200; Contract Research proposal to develop methods for analysis of ionic liquid samples from South32 and to analyse 30 process samples. Funded by: South32 Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd ($14,246); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $799,084; This proposal will advance the Australian made Eco Detection portable electrophoretic analyser for autonomous monitoring of water chemistry - the Eco Sensor. We will re-design and miniaturise the fluidic manifold to reduce capital- and per-sample cost, increase the sensitivity of nutrients - nitrate and phospate - by 100-times in both fresh- and sea-waters, and develop new ultra-sensitive reagents for heavy metal detection at environmentally regulated levels. This will provide a single platform for at-site near-real-time monitoring of water chemistry for agricultural, mining, water corporations and other industries that use and/or discharge water to the environment Funded by: Australian Research Council - Grant-Linkage Projects ($799,084); Eco Detection Australia Pty Ltd ($200,000); Deakin University ($117,250); University of Tasmania ($103,984).

Project Total: $470,000; This proposal seeks support for a central High Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry facility for the University of Tasmania. The existing instrument is approaching end-of-life and is becoming increasingly unreliable. Access to enhanced capabilities embodied in a new facility, along with a renewed lifespan, is essential for continued analysis of ultra-trace elements and isotopes in challenging samples from southern environments. The new instrument will allow TAS researchers and their (inter)national collaborators to undertake world-leading research, maintaining competitive profiles in a diverse range of research areas (chemical oceanography, analytical chemistry, Antarctic studies, environmental assessment, geochemistry). Funded by: Australian Research Council - Grant-Linkage Infrastructure ($470,000); Australian Antarctic Division ($40,000); CSIRO-Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation ($10,000); Analytical Services Tasmania ($10,000); University of Tasmania ($353,197).

Project Total: $892,251; The overall purpose of this project is to field validate and further develop the product prototype of an affordable field-based toolkit for measuring soil pH and nitrogen, using microfluidic chip technology to meet the commercialisation requirement. Funded by: CRC for High Performance Soils Ltd - Grant; Charles Sturt University; University of Newcastle; Herbert Cane Productivity Services Ltd.; Burdekin Productivity Services; University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $603,589; Globally, and particularly in Australia, water supply and water pollution is one of the most critical constraints to our health and growth. This project seeks to validate a new portable remediation system suitable for deployment at regional locations through the integration and development of advanced sensors. We aim to develop the world's first completely integrated platform for monitoring both water chemistry and microbiology to provide near-real-time information regarding the quality of the remediated water. We expect this to improve the availability of regional water resources by providing a low-cost remediation solution with integrated monitoring to provide assurances of meeting the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling (2006). Funded by: Australian Research Council - Grant-Linkage Projects ($478,589); Syrinx Environmental Pty Ltd ($70,000); INTEGRATED VALUE ECOSYSTEM ECONOMIES PTY LTD ($55,000); University of Tasmania ($100,142).

Project Total: $637,099; This project will further develop field-based colorimetric assessment technologies with water extractable organic carbon (WEOC) and enzyme activities assessments to evaluate soil organic matter and soil microbial activities. WEOC plays an important role in the adsorption-desorption equilibrium between the dissolved solid phases in soil organic matter. Soil enzyme activities, as a soil microbial health indicator, play an important role in organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling, Fortunately, both soil WEOC and enzymes can be quantified using colorimetric methods, The colorimetric reagents will be integrated into the multi-channel 3D microfluidic device, and the chemometric models will be developed and integrated into the smartphone application of the project 2.2.4, to simultaneously quantify the colorimetric information for both soil chemical and biological properties. Funded by: CRC for High Performance Soils Ltd - Grant; University of Newcastle; Herbert Cane Productivity Services Ltd.; Burdekin Productivity Services; University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $3,287; Analyse several Bayer liquor samples from South32 to understand the inorganic composition of their process. This will involve preparing electrolytes and standards, separating the standards in the electrolyte, and analysing a few process samples provided by the partner. A report will be provided summarising the outcomes. Funded by: South32 Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd ($3,287); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $65,729; he Chemical Criminalistics (CC) team at the Australian Federal Police (AFP) performs a range of examinations on chemical trace evidence to support numerous internal and external stakeholders. In addition to the traditional laboratory capabilities (using benchtop instruments), CC also provides a deployable capability, including portable identification instruments and a mobile laboratory. This function can be deployed locally, nationally and internationally and is particularly critical in the field of explosives analysis. Rapid deployments are often required in support of counter terrorism operations, where the CC team is able to conduct trace organic and trace inorganic explosive detection outside of the laboratory environment. The CC team acquired x2 GreyScan ETD-100 units in late 2019. The UTAS-based and Australian manufactured ETD-100 is the world's first automated explosive trace detection device designed to detect inorganic explosives based on nitrates, chlorates and perchlorates. The ETD-100 was designed to complement the current security screening technology at points-of entry such as airport checkpoints and aviation cargo screening. The CC team have undertaken an extensive validation of the ETD-100 and established a number of limitations in its current (security screening) end-user form. During the validation process, the CC team established that it was possible to adopt this new technology and make it more relevant to AFP forensic operations. In particular, it is possible to interface the ETD-100 with a laptop utilising a customised Laboratory User Interface?. In this mode, the analyst is able to interrogate the data coming off the box? to allow a more informed decision to be made (other than just the current PASS? or WARNING? screens). Further development is required to the interface to provide the analyst with the ability to detect and identify other relevant analytes of forensic interest other than the three currently programmed explosive ingredient targets (namely: nitrates, chlorates, perchlorates), which will be developed in this project. This enhanced capability is considered critical when undertaking chemical exploitation in support of the frontline response to explosive incidents and intelligence-led disruptions. Funded by: Australian Federal Police ($65,729); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $246,000; This project aims to use novel in-situ real-time analyser technology to revolutionise catchment water quality monitoring in Tasmania. Current water quality monitoring programs in the State are sparse, driven by individual industries/organisations, costly, and at a low frequency that does not capture incidents, variable pollutant sources, rainfall-runoff events and biogeochemical in-stream processes. Here we will use funds from stakeholders and the Ian Potter Foundation to purchase six real-time water quality monitoring systems to measure nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, chloride, carbonate, sulphate and fluoride, as well as other key analytes and parameters. The sensors have been developed in collaboration with the University of Tasmania with the goal to provide robust, autonomous and low cost systems that provides data in real-time allowing fast and smarter decisions regarding industry operations and waterway management. We will deploy and test the six monitoring systems in the River Derwent catchment. The catchment has a history in land use change, diverse diffuse and point sources of nutrients and is home to a variety of water-dependent industries such as Hydro Tasmania and the Norkse Skog paper mill, making it a perfect test site. As an intermediate step between previously conducted R&D and future broad scale rollout of this technology, we will test the systems at industry outfalls and downstream of diffuse sources to better characterise nutrient loads from different sources. The data will allow us to calculate more accurate nutrient budgets for the catchment, allowing us to prioritise catchment management actions and help individual point source industries such as fish hatcheries and sewage treatment plants to evaluate their nutrient discharges, with the aim to improve discharge levels. We are hoping that introducing this new technology to the River Derwent catchment in Tasmania will demonstrate its effectiveness and lead to broader water quality monitoring in the State. Funded by: Ian Potter Foundation - Grant-Science; University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $119,386; Recently, proteins have been identified in the blood that can act as indicators that a person is at risk of developing dementia or neurodegenerative disease. This opens a window of opportunity for early intervention and preventative strategies. At present these proteins need to be measured using equipment not available to health professionals and the current methods use antibodies as biosensors. Antibodies are unstable, difficult to produce and expensive, and therefore not suited for wide-spread distribution of detection devices. Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotide (DNA or RNA) molecules, which can bind to target molecules with high affinity and specificity. They are ideal for use as biosensors in point-of-care devices as they are stable at room temperature and are cheap to produce. Our goal is to develop biomarker detection devices that are suitable for population-based screening. This project will develop aptamers to key biomarker indicators of brain health such as neurofilament light chain and tau. Funded by: Perpetual Trustees - Grant-Trust Fund ($119,386); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $517,000; This proposal aims to understand the chemical and physical properties governing the transport of ions into and within advanced extracting polymeric materials, known as polymer inclusion membranes, under the influence of an applied voltage. These membranes are dry-to-touch and represent a new and potentially powerful analytical platform for environmental, medical and industry sample preparation. By understanding the transport mechanism, new membranes will be developed, capable of purifying and concentrating diverse targets chemicals from liquid and solid samples. These processes can take place during sample transportation to a centralised laboratory thus simplifying and streamlining analysis upon arrival to decrease drastically its costs. Funded by: Australian Research Council - Grant-Discovery Projects ($517,000); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $300,000; This project aims to address the barriers faced by 3D printing in chemistry. 3D printing can create bespoke 3D structures within a fraction of time and cost compared to traditional fabrication. However, its scope in chemistry has been limited by the poor chemical robustness, biotoxicity and low resolution of the 3D printed components. Hence, this project will develop novel gold coating techniques and explore high-resolution 3D printing to overcome these challenges. The project should generate commercially significant products (analytical platforms), technology (gold coating) and patents. The developed systems and technologies will address Australian research challenges in advanced manufacturing and enable on-site environmental monitoring. Funded by: Australian Research Council - Grant-Discovery Projects ($300,000); University of Tasmania ($25,000).

Project Total: $534,837; There is no cure for Parkinson's disease (PD). Current treatments target only mid- to late-stage symptoms of the disease, with poor long-term efficacy and high risk of debilitating side-effects. Research by our CI team suggests that glia, the non-neuronal? cells in the central nervous system (CNS), may play a critical yet unappreciated role in the progress of PD. We have found roles for glial cells in modifying the neuronal environment and promoting a domino-like spread of abnormal alpha-synuclein (-syn), the major protein implicated in PD pathology, and in spreading functional changes through CNS networks. These data point to central roles for glial cells in propagating pathological changes between susceptible neuron populations. We will now apply novel in vitro and in vivo models to test the central hypothesis Glial cells facilitate the spread of pathology through the central nervous system in PD? to find ways to stop the disease processes earlier. Our research has two aims: AIM 1: Determine the role of glial cells in the neuron-to-neuron transfer of -syn and the spread of associated pathological changes. Using customised microfluidic cell culture platforms developed by the CI team, we will systematically interrogate the role of specific glial cell subtypes and inflammatory processes in the pathogenic mis-folding of -syn and its cell-to-cell transfer. AIM 2: Determine the role of glial cell activation on -syn transmission and the spreading of PD pathology using an in vivo model of progressive PD. We will test the hypothesis that inflammatory functions of glial cells and -syn interact to cause PD pathology to progress through CNS networks. The outcomes will determine the individual and synergistic roles of -syn and glial cells in the degeneration of PD-vulnerable neurons. This study will redefine our understanding of pathological processes in PD, thereby exposing new targets for development of better treatments. Funded by: National Health & Medical Research CouncilNational Health & Medical Research Council - Grant-Ideas ($1,069,674); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $19,991; two portable capillary electrophoresis prototype systems already developed will be replicated and deployed in collaboration with Syrinx and Southern Waste Solutions (SWS). These systems will be tested for their capability to monitor inorganic ions and heavy metals in the remediation system to provide information on design and optimisation of future remediation systems. Funded by: Syrinx Environmental Pty Ltd ($19,991); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $146,415; Funding to continue research on the development of the GreyScan TVD-1 system for trace virus detection. A first round of research supported by CSIRO innovations connection funding has completed. Additional work is required to continue the research required for product scope and development. Funded by: GreyScan Pty Ltd ($146,415); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $259,020; With GreyScan will repurpose the ETD-100 trace explosives system to detect viruses and create a new product range, TVD 1 Funded by: CSIRO-Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation; GreyScan Pty Ltd ($259,020); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $16,950; Funded by: Australian Research Council ($16,950); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $25,200; General chemical support on the translation of GreyScan. Support on commercialisation of GreyScan's trace detection unit. Funded by: GreyScan Pty Ltd ($25,200); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $161,006; This project aims to develop tools that will assist land managers better manage nutrient inputs targeted to meet crop requirements. Throughout this project, an affordable field-based tool kit will be developed to obtain real-time analytical information about the determination of soil chemical properties, in a simple and cost-effective way. Funded by: CRC for High Performance Soils Ltd - Grant; University of Tasmania ($52,500).

Project Total: $9,350; We will develop techniques for making aptamer (oligonucleotide) biosensors to be used in biomarker detection in neurodegenerative disease. Funded by: University of Tasmania - Grant-Research Enhancement Program; University of Tasmania ($9,350).

Project Total: $269,487; Develop new chemistry for ecodetection applications of (1) glyphosate, (2) mining ions (cyanide, etc), and (3) heavy metals. Funded by: Eco Detection Australia Pty Ltd ($269,487); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $951,000; The proposed Joint Research Centre (to be funded via the Federal Government Australia-China Fund) is designed to improve fundamental capability in the area of mineral processing between Australia and China with a goal of developing the next generation of in-line chemical and mineral sensors for process optimisation. It is a partnership between the University of South Australia (UniSA), Central South University (CSU), the University of Tasmania (UTAS) and Magotteaux - one of the premier suppliers of grinding media to the mining industry. It will build upon the core strengths of minerals processing at UniSA and CSU, and the analytical and microfluidic capabilities of UTAS to produce technology implementable by Megatteaux. Funded by: Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources - Grant-Australia-China Science and Research Fund; University of South Australia; University of Tasmania ($75,000).

Project Total: $4,283; Perform measurements of standard mixtures of ions and provide quantitative data to contractor Funded by: Grey Innovation Pty Ltd ($4,283); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $930,198; The University of Tasmania and Young Optics Inc will develop a novel 3D printer offering the highest resolution available and fastest printing speed for the single-step manufacturing of complex microfluidic devices. New resins developed to exploit the inert liquid interface layer printing approach will provide unprecedented capability to create micron sized channels interconnected in 3D space and fabricate Lab-on-a-Chip systems that cannot be generated by any current fabrication approach. This novel high speed, high fidelity 3D printer and the new resins to be developed will lead to more effective manufacturing approaches for portable chemical devices and promote complex chemical analysis into the knowledge immediacy culture of today. Funded by: Australian Research Council - Grant-Linkage Projects ($630,000); Young Optics Inc ($300,198); University of Tasmania.